Description
This item is a Koubon (香盆). It is a tray used to enjoy scents in the Koudou (香道) and is used to set incense utensils such as an incense burner, ashes, and incense cases. Various materials are used for making this item, including wood, lacquer, and ceramics. There are also different shapes, such as rectangular leaves and circular shapes, depending on the purpose. If the size is appropriate, we could use Koubons as a tray for other items. Koubon has an ancient origin and is said to have been introduced from the continent during the Nara period (奈良時代, 710-784). Since then, it has developed uniquely in Japan, and incense flourished along with tea ceremonies during the Muromachi period (室町時代, 1336-1573).
We estimate this tray is made from wood, and black lacquer is applied to its surface. Lotus, a bee, and a frog are depicted on this tray with the Makie (蒔絵) technique. The Makie is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works. The lotus flowers have beautiful appearances, and it has also been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times as a flower associated with Buddhism. Lotus flowers bloom in the murky, muddy water of rice fields and swamps, and the way they grow out of the mud and bloom beautifully is said to be in keeping with Buddhism, making it an important symbol of Buddhism. In other words, the lotus flower symbolizes the Buddhist teaching that no matter our hardships, we should live beautifully without polluting our hearts by comparing mud to human desires and suffering. Such religious ideas might have inspired this tray’s design.
As you could see in the pictures, this tray has several damages. Please check each photo and ensure its condition. If you would like to see more details, please feel free to contact us.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
